September 2020 - Nurtured Birth

Essential Oils in Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond

The use of essential oils in pregnancy has a range of therapeutic effects, from easing tension, anxiety and aching muscles to generating a positive mood, calming or energising.

Essential oils in pregnancy can be wonderful to support the changing body through each trimester, into labour and postnatally, but must be used safely and sparingly.

Jo Harris, founder of Soularoma shares her tips and guidelines for using essential oils in pregnancy.

What are the benefits of essential oils in pregnancy?

I obviously love and deeply believe in the benefits of essential oils during pregnancy, it is a very special time and usually happens only once or twice in most women’s lives.

A pregnant woman’s wellbeing (physical & emotional) is of utmost importance and thus it is a time to use essential oils for that extra boost if it is needed.

It is important for women to have complementary approaches available during their pregnancy to cope with the physiological and emotional issues that can appear. It is empowering for a woman to treat issues which don’t require medical intervention by herself with natural essential oils.

What are the considerations you apply when choosing essential oils for pregnant women?

Safety is always number one, but then also what the individual client likes and needs (emotionally, physically & spiritually) at that moment.

Unfortunately there is a lot of contradicting information with essential oils in pregnancy. With pregnancy it is best to be on the safer side and act with caution.

Why is it important to seek the advice of a trained aromatherapist?

To be sure what you are using is safe for you and your baby. This is of utmost importance at all times with essential oils but especially so when during pregnancy.

It is also important to use very little during pregnancy. So the dilution should always be half of a normal adult dose- a maximum of 1.5% dilution.

What do you include in your Birth Surges oil and why?

For establishment of labour – clary sage, a great uterotonic, helps relax (like a euphoria), and decreases anxiety, fear and panic. Clary sage also works to decrease irritability and strengthen the central nervous system. It also helps gain clarity.

For active labour – rose oil, it is a great uterotonic, rose is calming, decreases anxiety, fear and panic and works to promote love (opening the heart), concentration, patience and decreasing irritability. It also protects from negativity.

Birthing the placenta – jasmine helps promote confidence, helps to decrease anxiety and fear. Jasmine is also a great oil for gratitude & opening the heart. Jasmine also helps to reach a meditative state and to feel peace.

None of these oils should be used before 38 weeks of pregnancy.

Essential oils in trimester one

During the first 13 weeks of pregnancy a woman will undergo a variety of changes as her body begins to support her growing baby. These changes occur physically, emotionally and physiologically.

Although not all pregnant women will experience all symptoms, there are many common changes and complaints that can be experienced, such as nausea, fatigue, headaches, emotional vulnerability, hormonal swings. There is also a mixture of excitement and anxiety about pregnancy and birth.

With these changes in mind we need to find essential oils that are soothing and relaxing but also uplifting and revitalising. It is really important to use essential oils only if really needed during the first trimester – less is more. Safety is really important in this trimester especially.

For nausea – cardamom, mandarin, lemon, orange, ginger; and for headaches lavender or lemon.
For emotional health – lavender, patchouli, orange, vetiver, mandarin, bergamot, grapefruit, palmarosa, petitgrain, lime. These oils have soothing, refreshing, uplifting, tranquil qualities.
To counteract anxiety – petitgrain, bergamot, lavender, neroli, orange, grapefruit, mandarin., lemongrass (in low dosages), rosalina, vetiver, chamomile.

Essential oils in trimester two

As the pregnant woman enters into the middle of her pregnancy, weeks 14 to 27, she may find pregnancy symptoms begin to ease. She will begin to feel her baby move and often embrace the joy of her pregnant body and her baby growing inside her.

Common conditions that may arise in the second trimester include increased energy, sinus aggravation, less stable joints/muscles causing pain, spider/varicose veins, heartburn and constipation.

The oils that will offer the most benefit during this time will target the digestive system, balance and focus, easing pain.

For digestion or indigestion – ginger and lavender, sweet orange, coriander, mandarin, cardamom
Aching muscles – lemon, ginger, rosalina, myrtle, cardamom
Sinus – Rosalina, myrtle, lemon
Overall balancing – lavender, geranium (not for use in early pregnancy), mandarin, petitgrain, neroli.

Essential oils in trimester three

The last 13 weeks of pregnancy are known as trimester three. During this time the baby has grown so much it is having a significant impact on the pregnant woman’s physicality.

The common changes and complaints that occur include a decrease in energy, anxiety for impending birth, oedema, leg cramps.

For inspiration and to invigorate – geranium, lemon, ginger, lemongrass
To promote sleep – a citrus base such as orange, tangerine or bergamot blended with lavender
To unwind, destress, relax – a citrus base of orange, bergamot or lime blended with geranium, patchouli, ylang ylang, or petitgrain, lemongrass, lavender, chamomile, rose geranium.

Essential oils during labour and birth

Essential oils can offer support and calmness to the birthing woman, assisting her through each stage of labour, providing nurture, strength and positivity.

Inner power – mandarin, frankincense, ginger, rose, patchouli
Meditation – a citrus base or tangerine or bergamot, with lavender, frankincense, vetiver
Feminine – orange, ylang ylang, lavender, geranium, jasmine
Promoting contractions – clary sage, sweet marjoram, ginger, rose.

The baby can be greeted at birth by a mild pleasant aroma. The use of essential oils should be stopped close to birth to provide a more aromatically neutral environment as babies are very sensitive to smells. It is best for the baby to smell mum’s own scent to help with bonding.

Essential oils for the postnatal period

Common changes and complaints that occur after pregnancy and birth include exhaustion, physical tiredness and pain, emotional adjustments, hormonal changes, healing, breastfeeding issues.

Breast engorgement – geranium
Healing emotions – lavender, patchouli, mandarin
Emotional tension – neroli, palmarosa, mandarin, chamomile.

Postnatal application of essential oils to the skin:

To help reduce stretch marks, help the skin keep its suppleness and elasticity by deeply moisturising using rosehip oil, helichrysum, lavender.
To assist with healing the perineum (tears, fissures, etc.) a lavender compress or lavender in water in a spray bottle can be applied to the perineum after going to the toilet.
Soothe the skin for calming and relaxing – lavender, rose, roman chamomile.

Oils should be blended with a base oil or cream, diluted.

Always remember:

No ingestion of essential oils
Essential oils should always be packaged in dark glass and be 100% pure
Discontinue use immediately on an allergic reaction and seek professional advice
Do not ingest oils or apply undiluted on the skin
Keep essential oils out of reach of children
Oils contraindicated in pregnancy are: angelica, basil, bay, clary sage, cedarwood, cypress, eucalyptus, fennel, jasmine, juniper berry, myrrh, marjoram, peppermint, rose, rosemary, spearmint, Spanish sage, sandalwood, thyme, yarrow.

If you would like to get in touch with Jo Harris and find out more about her products and journey as an aromatherapist, please contact her at:

web: soularoma.com.au

email: hello@soularoma.com.au

Phone: 0457 698 480

Pregnancy Support And Dads: Supporting Your Partner

Most information about pregnancy focuses on the mama-to-be, but what about pregnancy support and dads? What role do dads take in supporting their partner during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a time of celebration and excitement but there are also plenty of challenges. Dads play an important role in many ways during pregnancy, from conception all the way through to birth and beyond.

Believe it or not, dads supporting their pregnant partner is essential to her wellbeing, influences her birth experience and recovery afterwards. It also brings you together, strengthening your bond and creating a united team – your family.

How can you be the best support for your partner during pregnancy? Let’s focus on 5 important ways dads can offer support.

#1: Physical pregnancy support and dads

Pregnancy brings many physical changes, from morning sickness and tiredness to more physical effects such as sore joints and being unable to move easily.

You can provide physical support to your pregnant partner to help her cope with these changes. It might she needs to make lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, giving up unhealthy habits or taking up exercise. You can join her in the move to a healthier lifestyle, and offer encouragement and support.

Pregnancy takes a physical toll on a woman’s body. Body aches and pains increase, she may get frustrated at not being able to do things easily, and feel generally uncomfortable all the time. Understand her physical limitations and be aware they will be constantly changing. Create opportunities for your partner to rest or provide caring support like a back massage or foot rub.

Some women may feel self-conscious about how their body is changing. This can change their feelings towards sex. Talk to your partner about how she is feeling and be positive with responses. There are many ways to be intimate within your relationship. Cuddles, hugs and kisses may be the perfect support plan for now.

You can also support your pregnant partner by promoting a slower lifestyle, such as reduce busy schedules andcut back on socialising. If there are other children in the family, you can take on more of their daily care to give your partner time to rest, meditate and prepare for birth, building a connection and bond with her baby.

#2: Emotional pregnancy support and dads

While often the attention is focused on the pregnant mama-to-be, dads can feel left out of the picture, a bit forgotten and ignored.

Announcing your pregnancy news is a shared joy and any other celebrations can involve you too. Pregnancy traditions such as baby showers or gender-reveal parties aren’t just for pregnant mamas – celebrating your new family together strengthens your bond as a couple.

Keep the lines of communication open. Often we wait until we’re asked to do something. Instead, specifically ask your partner to guide you in how to best support her. Make time to talk about how you’re both feeling about the birth and becoming parents. Ofter encouragement and reassurance and share your own concerns and worries, so you’re building a path of strength and resilience together.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make pregnant women emotional and teary one minute, but bubbly and vibrant the next. They can even seem completely irrational at times.

It is important to understand these hormonal changes are out of her control. They can cause mood swings, reduce her energy levels and increase her need for sleep. The best way to offer support is by being understanding, comforting and encouraging her to take breaks and naps. A show of affection by offering a simple hug can make her feel loved and supported.

#3: Practical pregnancy support and dads

Taking on the essential daily tasks is a great way for dads to take the pressure off their partner, especially if she is still working.

Pregnant women are giving so much of themselves to the growing baby they are often left depleted. You can assist or take over things like preparing meals, cooking, cleaning and washing, bathing other children.

Helping in this way is especially important when your pregnant partner is feeling particularly worn out or if certain cooking smells make her feel ill.

Brainstorm ways your partner is going to need support after the birth of your baby and plan ahead. Will you take on cleaning and cooking, or should you organise a cleaner and meal delivery? Go shopping with your partner for items like prams and car seats.

#4. Pregnancy support and dads

Being there from the start and being engaged is so important for dads. You can support your partner by attending pregnancy appointments such as ultrasounds and antenatal care check ups, helping to discuss options for care and planning your birth options.

Take a proactive interest in being informed about pregnancy, baby development and birth. There are many well researched blogs and websites for you to choose from.

Talk about the roles you will take on in parenting, what it means to you to be a parent and how you can share parenting roles. This can be a good time to work through any concerns about how you were raised and the things you want to avoid as a parent yourself.

Dads can talk to their unborn baby to begin building a connection. By the third trimester babies can recognise voices and love to hear talking and singing. You can talk to your baby in your partner’s belly, to help build a bond with the baby and start developing your family connection.

#5:Birth preparation support

Dads can be supportive by preparing themselves to be the birth partner their partner will need during labour and birth. Nurtured Birth offers a specific workshop for partners to encourage them to be the best birth partner.

You can read up on the process of labour, and the varied scenarios that can occur in labour. You can start to think about your role in the birthing process, making sure to ask questions during antenatal visits. This makes it clear to health professionals you’re involved and want to be included too.

Attend birth classes and be proactive in your involvement. Nurtured Birth offers tailored and in-depth private childbirth education sessions you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Having a doula support you and your partner through pregnancy can be a wonderful way to connect and work through your fears and expectations about birth.

During labour, make sure you are the best support by being her advocate and stay engaged with her choices and preferences. You can have an active role in birth by catching the baby, cutting the cord, supporting your partner to have a golden hour after birth, and enjoying skin to skin with your baby.

And finally…

You need to support yourself too. You still need to have some breaks yourself, if that’s time for exercise or visit friends or focus on a hobby. Make sure you self-care, whatever this might mean to you.

You can always reach out to other partners to share feelings, ideas and tips. This can be family and friends, or you can make connections through childbirth classes and parenting groups. There are lots of resources out there for expectant partners.

Need to talk to someone for more information and advice?

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak with a maternal child health nurse.

Raising Children Network, supported by the Australian Government, has videos, information and more available, such as the ‘Dads Guide to Pregnancy’. Go to raising children.net.au

Mensline Australia offers support and counselling services on 1300 78 99 78.

Beyond Blue offers support and advice for new dads on 1300 22 4636. You can download the book Emotional health and wellbeing: A guide for new dads, partners and other carers. There is a wealth of information and support on becoming a parent and what to expect.

PANDA National Helpline 300 726 306 for help for dads, parents and carers, specialising in prenatal and postnatal anxiety and depression.

Written by Sharon Clarke, Remedial Massage Therapist at Nurtured Birth

Fertility Massage: 5 FAQs About Fertility Massage

Fertility massage therapy can be an intrinsic part of the journey you will undergo as you travel towards motherhood.

When you begin to explore your fertility with the hope of becoming pregnant, you may introduce many practices into your daily life.

There is much research to support the many benefits of massage not only for our physical body but also our emotional wellbeing.

But even in 2020 there is still an absence of study and evidence-based research into the specific results of massage treatment on fertility outcomes. So much remains unclear. So what do we actually know?

In this article we will explore 5 frequently asked questions in relation to fertility massage and how it can help prepare your body for conception.

#1: Where do I find a fertility massage therapist?

At this important stage of your journey, it is essential to find the right people to support you.

A therapeutic or remedial massage therapist has the skillset and anatomy knowledge and experience to apply to fertility massage.

But it’s important to seek a therapist with specific experience in women’s health and pregnancy. They can offer holistic support, with greater understanding of the reproductive system and the menstrual cycle, the tests and procedures involved with gynaecology, and the processes used within assisted fertility.

Continuity of treatment is also an important factor to consider. A specialised massage therapist can provide treatment from fertility, through conception and pregnancy, and after birth.

#2: When should I start treatments & for how long?

Start fertility treatment when you have made the decision to start trying for a baby and you are ready to begin your journey into parenthood.

Regular massage treatment is important to help build a mind-body-spirit connection. Massage is a wonderful way to reverse the effects of stress, work, and the general busyness of our lives.

Massage helps the body in many ways:

Maintain muscle integrity
Improve posture and circulation
Relieve aches and pains
Stimulate detoxification
Assist many systems of the body including immune, nervous, lymphatic and endocrine
Assist with emotional and spiritual aspects – managing stress and tension, providing emotional relief and having a positive effect on your mood.

Stress triggers can increase when assisted reproduction methods such as IVF are needed. Massage can be complementary to IVF and work in conjunction to reduce these stress levels, allowing you to be at your best during the important times in your cycle.

The best way to support fertility and conception is to make lifestyle changes to support general health and wellbeing. This include a healthier diet, exercising, eliminating bad habits, introducing supplements and more. Massage can be included as it supports your focus towards a healthier way of life.

The best results from massage happen when treatments occur on a regular basis. So don’t just go occasionally – make it a habit, plan your calendar and book your appointments ahead of time. Keeping up the focus on your self-care is a vital part of your fertility plan.

#3: What should I expect from treatment?

Your massage treatment should be individually tailored to target your specific needs. Your therapist will initially want to know where you currently are on your journey, how you are affected, stress levels and what you realistically hope to achieve. A dedicated treatment plan should be formulated to guide the therapist and you through to an agreed outcome.

This tailored massage program should centre on being nurturing, gentle, non-invasive and pain free. The focus is on relaxing you, soothing your muscles and calming your emotions with the goal to destress the body, mind and spirit. Massage for the whole body is extremely important to achieve this.

At a minimum the treatment should involve the back, shoulders and neck. There will also be an aspect of massage on the abdominal, sacral and pelvic regions of the body. Some therapists may also include other specialities such as acupressure, reflexology, rebozo techniques and mobilisation and stretching.

#4: What physical and emotional benefits does massage have for my fertility journey?

Massage to the abdomen improves circulation to this region. As a result, this allows better blood flow to the organs and tissues within the abdominal area, including the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, as well as to the digestive system.

Massage assists in the breakdown of scar tissue. Specifically in the abdominal region, this scar tissue can build up within and around the reproductive organs and digestive system.

Massage helps to align the structures of the pelvic region: the pelvis, sacrum and coccyx. This restores the balance between the structures – bones, soft tissues, organs and releasing trapped nerves. Massage allows this area to reposition, tone and strengthen.

Massage aids in hormonal balance. Negative energy can affect our hormones including the reproductive hormone progesterone, converting it to cortisol, the stress hormone. Using massage as a form of relaxation we are encouraging the body to destress and produce oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine for a positive mood and to be prepared and open for fertility.

Finally, massage allows the client to find emotional healing – providing the space to release tension held within the pelvic area. Massage can be a gentle way of addressing trauma and loss experienced in the past, anxiety, stress and the tension from invasive procedures such as IVF, curette, as well as previous pregnancy loss.

#5: Is massage just for the mother-to-be or can it also be beneficial for partners?

The journey of fertility does not involve just the mother-to-be. Your partner is also sharing the fertility journey alongside you, with the shared goal of parenthood.

Although this journey may have different effects for each person involved, the health and wellbeing of both partners is important and massage can support you both in individual ways.

As a partnership you can work to improve your general health and wellbeing with healthy meals, exercising together, getting good sleep and eliminating bad habits. Including massage therapy for you both is another way to share the journey in a positive and relaxing way.

When IVF is involved in the fertility process, it is the woman who undergoes the physical changes. But emotionally you will both share the stress of IVF. Your partner has a very important role in supporting you on your fertility journey and they should not be forgotten.

Nurtured Birth for Fertility Massage

In Australia, certified pregnancy massage therapists receive training beyond the national standards for massage therapists. They understand the pregnant body and how to address specific needs in pregnancy. They are equipped to care for women on their journey with fertility and conception and take a special interest in women’s health and wellbeing.

At Nurtured Birth our therapists are all trained and certified in massage and pregnancy massage, as well as being registered, insured and continually training and upgrading their skills.

We have a range of specialist practitioners to offer treatment and support with massage, osteopathy, naturopathy, doula birth and postnatal care, childbirth education, prenatal yoga, pregnancy meditation and mums & bubs yoga. If your problem is outside of our scope of treatment we will refer you to one of our recommended practitioners.

Imagine going through your fertility journey feeling supported and relaxed, both emotionally and physically. Our massage releases tension in your body, reducing aches and pains in muscles and joints. It overall improves your mood, your sleep and general sense of well-being.

How frequently you have a massage will depend on you and the plan of treatment you have with your therapist. If massage is going to be an integral part of your fertility plan, our knowledgeable practitioners will suggest what would best suit you, taking into account many factors, including your cycle. We can tailor massage therapy alongside our osteopath and naturopath to ensure your body is well supported during the challenges of fertility, flowing into pregnancy and after birthing.

Written by Sharon Clarke, Remedial Massage Therapist at Nurtured Birth